Hundreds pay tribute to Peterborough Bangladeshi community leader

Al-Hajj Nizam Uddin - also known as the father of Peterborough businesswoman and former candidate on The Apprentice Nurun Ahmed - was a key part of the Bangladeshi community in the city.

Mr Uddin, a grandfather of 10, died aged 78 earlier this month from a heart failure, with hundreds of people coming from as far-afield as Scotland for a memorial service at the Faizan- e-Madina Mosque.

One of his sons, Dr Mohib Uddin (44), said Mr Uddin had left a strong legacy in the city.

He said: “He used his language skills effectively to support new migrants with their communication skills for employment opportunities and to help them integrate into the local communities.

“He promoted English Language learning at Brook Street for ethnic minorities from the Sub Continent.

“Working closely with the local Youth and Community Leaders of the growing Peterborough Muslim community, he advocated overcoming barriers of social integration and cultural differences through the principles of common human values and well-being.

“The Bangladeshi community is a small but law abiding community in the city, and he was a big part in that.”

Mr Uddin had arrived in Peterborough in 1974, having lived in London and Devon when he emigrated from Bangladesh in 1960.

He was the Bangladeshi correspondent for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, as well as working as an engineer at Perkins Engines.

He was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Bangladesh Welfare Association UK in 2010.

Dr Uddin said his father was proud of the achievements of his three sons and one daughter.

He said: “He always want to help others, and believed in the importance of education.

“I have gone on to work in medicine, and I know he is very proud of what we have all achieved. He was thrilled to see his daughter, Nurun, win The Caring Neighbour Award in last year’s Peterborough Telegraph Pride in Peterborough awards.”

Outside of work, Mr Uddin enjoyed cycling, hill-walking, cricket and boxing and nature conservancy. He is survived by his wife , Sirajun Nessa, three sons, Raj, Mohib and Nico and a daughter Nurun.

Dr Uddin said the family wished to extend their heart-felt gratitude to the local community after the memorial service.